Abstract
The objective of this work was to explore previous published results on lung mechanics and alveolar collapse under different physiologic conditions. Specifically, we had performed indentation experiments on excised lung, and reported immediate, significant and near‐reversible changes in lung stiffness and hysteresis when inhalant gas was changed from room air to 100% oxygen. We hypothesized this was at least in part due to changes in surfactant behavior. To test this, we performed Wilhelmy balance experiments on isolated surfactant (Infasurf) under different loading conditions and gaseous environments. In all the experiments, temperature, humidity and atmospheric composition were controlled, and several compression‐relaxation cycles generated. We found significant effects of several experimental conditions, including oxygen concentration, on the progressive (cycle‐to‐cycle) behavior of the surfactant. The results are relevant to (a) mechanics of breathing, particularly the concept of sigh, and (b) mechanisms of pulmonary oxygen toxicity.
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